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JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum DSM2 Product Video

Product Review:
JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum DSM2

Perspective By:
LeadingEdge

Manufacturer Contact:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822

Main Phone: (217) 352-1913

Manufacturer Website:
http://www.horizonhobby.com

FlyingGiants Ratings:

Packaging:
Kit Quality:
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Introduction

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Today the brown truck showed up and dropped off one of the most anticipated radio systems of 2007, the JR X9303 Spektrum 2.4! In case you've been hiding under a rock all year, 2.4ghz Spread Spectrum is taking the hobby by storm, and is one of the biggest advancements in modeling technology in years. The 2.4ghz band eliminates frequency conflicts and resulting model carnage which we have all become accustomed to for years with 72mhz. SpektrumRC and Paul Beard have teamed up with JR to bring this technology to us consumers initially with the Spektrum DX-6, Spektrum DX-7, and now completely integrated into the X9303 2.4.

The 72mhz 9303 transmitter was released a few years back, and has been a wildly popular radio in the JR line of navigation products ever since. The new addition of Spekrtum 2.4 to this framework marks the first high end radio of it's kind, to make the market, to offer integrated 2.4 Spektrum technology.

Out of the Box:

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The X9303 2.4 comes packaged in a bright bling bling box that makes you want to immediately crack into it! We were a little more patient however and pulled out the camera to take some shots for ya! Like most JR transmitters, the goods are packed attractively in molded foam which is great for storage, and future use. The first thing I looked for was instructions. None! Oh man, did they forget to put them in the box? Nope! The X9303 2.4 comes with very detailed instructions in form of Adobe PDF files on an enclosed DVD for easy viewing on any computer which can be printed for use at the field, or in the work shop.

The kit includes the transmitter of course, the all new R921 2.4 DSM2 receiver and one optional satellite receiver, 4 DS-821 servos, wall charger, switches, 1500mah receiver battery, and bind plugs. The servos are recommend for 120 size glow planes and  30 size nitro helicopters and smaller.

Product Specifications
Price (Horizon): $729.99 USD
 
9 Channel 2.4Gigahertz Spread Spectrum RC Transmitter
DSM/DSM2 Compatible
Compatible with all Spektrum™ Brand Aircraft Receivers
R921 DSM2 Receiver Included
Flight Modes (3 air, 5, Sailplane, 6 heli)
6 Programmable Mixers (2 multi-point style)
3-axis dual rate & expo
3-position flap
Gyro System (In-flight selection of 3 gains for up to 2 gyros)
Trim system offers presets for ail/ele/rud/flaps/flaperon for each mode (Sailplane)
Launch/Land Flight mode over ride system (Sailplane)


First Grope

Ripping the plastic covering off the X9303 2.4 transmitter was an exciting experience. Finally! This radio has come to market. The transmitter itself has the very solid feel of a high end radio. The case is very sturdy, the gimbles feel amazing. All of the switches are where they need to be, the screen is easy to read and the "rolling selector" makes for easy navigation of all system menus. The transmitter features 7 switches which can be programmed with a variety of functions, mixes, and flight modes. Digital trims are used for all gimbal inputs with the exception of the throttle, which makes use of a classic analog trim, much like the JR 10x.



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Aside from the introduction of the revolutionary 2.4 Spread Spectrum frequency enhancements, the X9303 2.4 sports a few other cool enhancements from it's 72hmz predecessor. For the first time ever on a JR platform, resolution from the gimbals to the servos has increased from 1024 to 2048! This translates in to lightning fast servo response times which most pilots will immediately notice. The transmitter also includes, and thank goodness, a 1500mah battery instead of a 600mah pack. With the incredibly low power consumption of 2.4 transmitters only (the x9303 2.4 draws 180ma), according to our math, this battery should last approximately 6-8 hours between charges. Very cool. Worrying about batteries at the field sucks. The X9303 2.4 also supports a larger timer display which will easily grab your attention during flight.



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The X9303 2.4 is fully compatible with all DSM1 and DSM2 receivers including the AR6100, AR6000, AR7000, and AR9000. The new R921 receiver has the same guts as the AR9000 for everyone who purchased Spektrum modules recently, and the satellite receivers are fully compatible and interchangeable. AR9000 and R921 enable 2048 when used with the X9303 2.4. This is all very cool for the earlier adopters of this technology.
Safety Features:
A new safety feature that is only available with the R921 it's new conventional failsafe functionality. Previous receiver models supported Spektrum Smartsafe which in the event of communication failure, the throttle channel will enter failsave, and all servos to hold. With conventional failsafe enabled on the AR9000 and R921, all servos will go to their failsafe position. This new functionality is easily programmed during the binding process, and is an excellent safety feature that we've been waiting for.


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Programming

Moving to programming, this is where we really get to know this system. A scrolling and clickable wheel is on the right side of the screen, accompanied by 4 soft buttons on the left. These are the only programming inputs, and they work amazingly well! All of the system options are displayed on the main screen, and the navigation is very well thoughout, and easy to use. As with it's predecessor, the X9303 2.4 is very programmable, and includes a boat load of features including:

• Switch Assignments

• Flight Modes (3)

• Dual Rates/Exponential (2 or 3 sets for Aileron,Elevator and Rudder)

• Wing Type (Normal, Flaperon, Delta)

• Aileron Differential

• V-Tail

• Dual Channels for All Primary Flight Controls and Flaps

• Dual Throttles (With Independent Trims and Throttle Curves)

• Adjustable Trim Rates (10–100 Trim Steps)

• Elevator-to-Flap Mixing

• Aileron-to-Rudder Mixing


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I like my gimble springs stiff, and the only way to tighten them up is to remove 6 screws and split the transmitter open. Amazingly enough,  it's always been this way with radios from most manufacturers, and while it's easy to do, I'm a klutz who doesn't feel comfortable digging around inside of electronics. I hope one day all transmitters will make gimbal tension externally adjustable. Aaaaaanyways, I nervously examined the guts of the X9303 2.4, and see what makes her tick. Note the 2.4 module on the back cover. After adjusting the springs, the cover was replaced, and the transmitter is now ready for programming and flight.
(animated programming below)

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Learning More about 2.4 Spread Spectrum
There is a learning curve to 2.4Ghz technology that is out of the scope of this product review, but it is important that users understand the technology, it's advantages, and nuances prior to use. Luckily, we have been covering every major release of 2.4 products since it's inception, and there is a wealth of knowledge within our community forums on the topic.
 
Click here for related 2.4ghz topics here on FlyingGiants.com
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Conclusion
The X9303 2.4 is the first entirely JR branded Spektrum 2.4 system, and our friends from Team Red did not disappoint. This transmitter is the first mid range products of it's kind, and solidifies 2.4ghz's acceptance as a viable platform for modelers. The X9303 system is very mature, and has just about all of the features and functionality that the pilots from small electrics to giant scale enthusiasts and heli's will desire. It is an excellent mid range priced radio. There are still many elements that will leave the super high end radio crowd wanting more that the upcoming 12X will surely satisfy. The system is priced right, it's 2048 resolution and and it's ease of programming will be  major buying points for consumers.
The 2.4 charge continues, and we're stoked to see these products hit the market. It's a great time to be a modeler! This is a killer radio, and I would highly recommend to the modeler who has yet to jump on the 2.4 bandwagon, and to the seasoned 2.4 junkie who's looking for a higher end option.

Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822

Main Phone: (217) 352-1913 http://www.horizonhobby.com
 
Default FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum

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Old 09-07-2007, 01:03 PM   #2
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Great to see the radio finally hit the market, thanks for the review. I have the DX-7 and love it, I plan on making this my next radio, Was thinking about waiting for the 12 channel, then realized, I don't use all the channels I have now.........
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Old 09-07-2007, 01:08 PM   #3
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
schaweet.....
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Old 09-08-2007, 10:09 PM   #4
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Wow,

Value for money that thing really raises the bar. Other than someone flying very complex jets I really doubt that you would ever need a better radio than what this setup delivers.

Simply danged amazing unit. 10 out of 10 Mr JR.
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Old 09-08-2007, 10:18 PM   #5
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Looks like an awesome radio! great job JR!

Now if my 9C came like this.... lol!


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Old 09-08-2007, 11:35 PM   #6
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
I'm not a fan of analog throttle trim. Does anyone know if you can set rates on a three way switch for triple rates
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Old 09-08-2007, 11:55 PM   #7
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Yes, you can get three rates on one switch by using the flight modes function. Very easy to set up. I have all of my planes this way.
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Old 09-08-2007, 11:55 PM   #8
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Did this full up system contain a DSC cord to connect 2 9303s for the copy function? Crazy, you can set all your rates to the 3 position switch(s)
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Old 09-09-2007, 01:31 AM   #9
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Yes, the DSC cord can be used to copy your models over from your old 9303 to the new X9303. Then just swap RX and go fly.
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Old 09-09-2007, 11:14 AM   #10
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Been flying mine in three different planes since last weekend. Two with ar7000 rx and my ultimate with the r921. zero issues. The r921 receiver is nice because it has 2 battery ports so you don't have to tie up a channel port on the receiver buss if running dual batteries/switchs. But you can only bind the receiver using the standard battery port, it wont bind on the second port.
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Old 09-10-2007, 01:39 AM   #11
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
True dat! Thanks Mike!
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Old 09-16-2007, 11:55 PM   #12
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
i also have this TX and i can hardly put it down!!! JR did a jam up job on this one.
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Old 09-17-2007, 09:43 AM   #13
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
Quote: Originally Posted by 1bwana1
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Yes, the DSC cord can be used to copy your models over from your old 9303 to the new X9303. Then just swap RX and go fly.
Do you use a DSC cord or a trainer cord?
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Old 09-20-2007, 10:46 PM   #14
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
great job jr if you can just get the shipment to roanoke rapids nc maybe i can take advantage of it! hope to have one soon!
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Old 10-07-2007, 04:31 PM   #15
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Default Re: FG REVIEW: JR X9303 2.4 Spektrum
SWEET! I like the reciver alot, any one know if that will bind to a DX7??
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